Get Lights With No Deposit on a Fixed Income

Your light payment history — not SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF enrollment — decides whether you need a deposit under Texas law. Here's how the rule works, and what to do if you don't qualify.

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.

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The rule that matters

Under Texas PUCT §25.478, light companies base the deposit decision on your payment history and credit — not on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF enrollment.

PUCT §25.478 waives the deposit if you've been a customer of an electric company for 2 years with no more than one late payment in the last 12 months and no disconnection, if you show standard credit references, or if you're 65+ with no outstanding balance in the last two years.

Don't qualify for a deposit waiver? You still have options.

Even if your light payment history doesn't get you a deposit waiver under PUCT §25.478, every light company has different credit thresholds. We check multiple companies to see if you qualify for $0 deposit anyway. Many people on a tight budget find at least one traditional option. Can't promise it, but it's worth checking before paying a deposit or going to prepaid.

SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF: What They Mean for Your Deposit

Enrollment in these alone doesn't waive your deposit under Texas law — your light payment history does. Here's what to have on hand when you call, and what decides your deposit.

SNAP

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Common assistance program

What you need:

Benefits card, approval letter, or online portal screenshot

MED

Medicaid

Health coverage program

What you need:

Enrollment letter or benefits card

SSI

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Federal disability/age-based income

What you need:

Award letter or benefits statement

TANF

TANF (Temporary Assistance)

Family assistance program

What you need:

Enrollment verification letter

Source: Public Utility Commission of Texas

PUCT §25.478 sets residential deposit rules based on payment history, standard credit demonstration, or age 65+ — not enrollment in assistance programs

How to Get Your Deposit Waived

Here's the step-by-step process to use your payment history to skip the deposit:

1

Pick a light company

Any traditional light company works. They all have to honor the waiver. Enter your ZIP above to see who serves your area.
2

Tell them you qualify for a deposit waiver

When you sign up (online or by phone), tell them about your payment history with your previous light company and ask about a deposit waiver under PUCT §25.478(a)(3)(A).
3
Submit your proof

Most light companies accept documents by email, fax, or online portal. They need to see your payment history or credit standing.
Acceptable proof:
- Letter of credit history from your previous light company
- Credit card, credit reference, or contactable reference
- Proof of age (if 65+) with no outstanding balance in the last two years
4

Start service with $0 down

Once verified, they'll approve you with no deposit. Your lights get turned on same as anyone else, just without the hundreds of dollars upfront.

What if they say no?

If you meet the §25.478(a)(3)(A) criteria and they still require a deposit, that's worth escalating. Take these steps:

1. Ask to speak with a supervisor who handles deposit waivers
2. Reference PUCT §25.478(a)(3)(A) by name - many frontline reps don't know the rule
3. If still denied, file a PUCT complaint: 1-888-782-8477 or online (once you file, PUCT gives the light company 15 days to investigate and respond)

Escalation works: Most companies immediately approve once PUCT gets involved because violations carry fines.

What If Money's Tight and Those Programs Don't Apply?

Whether or not you're on SNAP or Medicaid, these paths get you no-deposit lights:

Option 1: Prepaid Lights

Guaranteed approval. Prepaid light companies don't check your income, credit, or anything else. If you have $40-75 to start, you're in.

How it works:

Pay $40-75 upfront (goes into your account, not a deposit)
Power gets turned on (usually same day)
You use power until your balance runs low
Add more money when needed

The catch: Prepaid rates are higher: about $80-100/month more than traditional plans. But there's no credit check, no deposit, no denial.

Option 2: Letter of Credit

If you've been a customer of any electric company for the same kind of service for the last 2 years, weren't late more than once in your last 12 consecutive months, and didn't have service disconnected for nonpayment, your old light company can give you a letter proving it — your new light company should accept that in place of a deposit.

Call your previous light company and ask for a "letter of good credit." Free to request, and it works even if your credit score isn't great.

Option 3: Deposit Payment Plan

Some light companies will split the deposit into installments instead of demanding it all upfront — it never hurts to ask before you pay. And if the deposit is more than you can swing at all, pay-as-you-go lights skip the deposit entirely.

Not every company offers this, but it's worth asking. Still cheaper monthly than prepaid rates.

Getting Lights vs Getting Help Paying Your Bill

Two different things. Both important. Here's the difference:

This Guide: Getting Service

You're trying to start light service but the deposit is blocking you. The solutions above help you get approved with no deposit.

Focus: Deposits, credit checks, program waivers, prepaid options

Bill Payment Help

You already have lights but you're having trouble keeping up with the bill. Programs like CEAP and LIHEAP can help cover bills you owe.

Focus: CEAP, financial assistance, bill payment plans

Need help paying your bill? See our financial assistance guide for programs that help with light bills you already owe.

Which Light Companies Should I Pick?

Since the deposit waiver is required by law, every traditional light company has to honor it. So you can pick based on rates and service instead of worrying about approval.

What to look for:

Fixed rates: Easier to budget when rates don't change
No early termination fees: Flexibility if you need to move or switch
Good customer service: Matters when you have questions
Autopay discounts: Some companies knock a few dollars off if you autopay

Compare plans in your area:

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.

We'll show you traditional plans with rates and terms. When you pick one, tell them you qualify for a deposit waiver.

The Bottom Line

Your light payment history decides whether you need a deposit — 2 years as a customer with no more than one late payment in 12 months and no disconnection, standard credit references, or being 65+. That's Texas law, and it applies whether or not you're on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF.

Your action plan:

Gather proof of your light payment history (letter of credit history, credit references, or proof you're 65+)
Pick a light company that serves your area
Tell them you qualify for a deposit waiver under PUCT §25.478(a)(3)(A)
Submit your proof
Start service with $0 deposit

If you don't qualify for those programs, prepaid is your guaranteed approval option. No income verification, no credit check, no questions asked.

Ready to get started?

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.

Brad Gregory

Consumer Advocate

I make sure light companies treat you right. When you don't know your rights, they take advantage. I fix that.

View full profile

Last updated: August 25, 2026

Find Your No-Deposit Option

We check multiple light companies to find you the best option. Many people qualify for $0 deposit through PUCT waivers or company approvals. Can't qualify? You always have prepaid. No deposit, guaranteed approval.

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.

Common Questions

Can I get lights with no deposit if I'm on a fixed income?

Your payment history and credit decide this, not your income. PUCT §25.478 waives the deposit if you've been a customer of an electric company for 2 years with no more than one late payment in the last 12 months and no disconnection, if you show standard credit references, or if you're 65+ with no outstanding balance in the last two years. SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF enrollment isn't part of that rule. If none of that fits, prepaid lights guarantee approval with no deposit.

Do light companies verify my income?

No — not for standard deposit decisions. PUCT bases the deposit call on your payment history with previous light companies, standard credit, or age (65+), not on program enrollment. For prepaid lights, they don't check income, credit, or program enrollment at all. No verification, no questions asked.

What if I don't qualify for SNAP or Medicaid?

You still have options. Prepaid lights don't care about your income or credit. Everyone gets approved. You can also check if you've had 2 years as a customer with no more than one late payment in the last 12 months and no disconnection — that qualifies you for a letter of credit history — or ask about deposit payment plans. And if you're having trouble keeping up with bills, see our financial assistance guide for help programs.

Are there light companies that work with people on assistance programs?

Every traditional light company in Texas has to follow the same PUCT credit rule. But that rule is based on your payment history, credit, or age (65+) — not enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF. So the deposit question comes down to your history with light companies, not which assistance programs you're on.

What's the difference between getting lights and getting help paying my bill?

Getting lights = starting service (this guide). Getting help paying = programs like CEAP that help with existing bills. If you need help with bills you already owe, see our financial assistance guide. This guide is about getting approved for service in the first place.

Can I use my EBT card to pay for lights?

No. Your EBT card only works for approved purchases (food, etc.). Having an EBT card (SNAP benefits) doesn't by itself qualify you to skip the deposit — that comes down to your payment history, credit, or age, not SNAP enrollment. You'll pay your light bill separately with cash, debit, or credit.

What if I'm denied for lights?

If you're denied and you believe your payment history should have qualified you for a deposit waiver under PUCT §25.478(a)(3)(A) — 2 years of service, no more than one late payment in 12 months, no disconnection — that may be worth a PUCT complaint at 1-888-782-8477. Program enrollment alone isn't a recognized waiver ground. If you're denied because of credit or past debt, prepaid is your guaranteed approval option. No one can deny you for prepaid.

How much money do I need to start prepaid lights?

Usually $40-75 depending on the company. That's not a deposit. It's credit on your account that gets used as you consume power. Think of it like putting $40 of gas in the car. Once you use it, you add more.